Advisory: Former City Councillor Harvey Smith Passes Away

Former Winnipeg City Councillor Harvey Smith passed away at Victoria Hospital on Sunday, March 12, 2017, after a short illness. Smith had been living in care since falling in his home last summer. He was 80 years of age.

Smith served on City Council representing Sargent Park Ward between 1980 and 1986, and representing the Daniel McIntyre Ward from 1998 until 2014. He also served as NDP MLA for the Ellice Constituency from 1986 to 1988. In total, Smith served for 24 years representing citizens of the City’s West End.

“Harvey was a social justice activist his entire life”, said union activist and long-time friend, Paul Moist, a former leader of CUPE. “Harvey fought hard for affordable public transit and on a host of inner-city issues such as infrastructure and housing”, said Moist.

Moist added, “Earlier this year, I took Harvey to the re-opening of Sherbrook Pool. Smith fought against talk of closing the 80-year-old facility and was very proud that the refurbished facility remains open for inner-city families.”

Prior to entering politics, Smith was a teacher and a school librarian in Winnipeg School Division No. 1. He was born in Winnipeg but was raised in British Columbia and earned degrees from both the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

Smith was a member of the New Democratic Party and, in addition to holding political office, was a proud community activist. Details will be announced shortly regarding a memorial service in Smith’s honour.